Public sector workers in North Macedonia, during a strike that began today, demanded higher wages and annual leave, the Federation of Trade Unions of the Republic of Macedonia said. On Wednesday, members of various public sector trade unions placed 120 empty chairs, according to the number of deputies, on the square in front of the Assembly (Parliament) building in Skopje.

The work of hospitals, courts, ministries and municipalities will stop daily for one hour (10.00-11.00 local time) for protests in front of government buildings. Trade unions warned the government on June 6 about the strike, but the negotiations did not produce results.

The strike was organized to protect financial and social rights and meet labor demands, chief among them the conclusion of a collective agreement to increase the wages of public sector workers by 2,806 dinars (about 45 euros) per month… and a written commitment to cover annual leave in the amount of 30 to 100% of salary.